Classic Zen Story: A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor
who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”
“Like this cup,” Nan-in said, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
Thanks to Jon Shelness for sending this story along with the scedule of Des Moines Zen Center meditation sittings and other activities which can be accessed at www.dmzencenter.org.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”
“Like this cup,” Nan-in said, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
Thanks to Jon Shelness for sending this story along with the scedule of Des Moines Zen Center meditation sittings and other activities which can be accessed at www.dmzencenter.org.